Use of Bankruptcy “Petition-Preparer” or Attorney
The question of whether to use an attorney or “bankruptcy petition preparer,” paralegal, typewriting service, etc... usually comes up under the basic heading ... cost. Obviously, a non-attorney must offer their services at a reduced cost in order to entice you to consider them for their service. However, before you make a decision based on cost, you should consider a number of factors. These factors are as follows:

1. A petition-preparer cannot give you legal advice.
2. A petition-preparer cannot charge you more than $200.00 to fill in your papers.
3. A petition-preparer cannot talk to or negotiate with your creditors on your behalf.
4. A petition-preparer cannot go to the mandatory court hearing and represent you there.
5. A petition-preparer is not trained as an attorney in order to give you the benefit of the bankruptcy laws.
6. A petition-preparer cannot help you if a creditor threatens you after you file.

This is just a short list of numerous reasons you should think twice before you place this important legal task on somebody without attorney training.

The use of an experienced bankruptcy attorney is beneficial in many ways. Some of these ways are as follows:

1. An attorney can help you decide whether or not a bankruptcy filing is appropriate for you.
2. An attorney can explain the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
3. An attorney can help you protect your assets before the decision is made to file for bankruptcy protection.
4. An attorney can respond to the court or to creditors that would attempt to contest your bankruptcy.
5. An attorney will probably charge you more than a petition-preparer, but the benefits will likely far outway the costs for the expertise you will receive in return.